The military has vowed to render assistance for the construction of more public schools in conflict-torn areas of eastern Mindanao as one way of ending insurgency problems in the country.
Lt. Gen. Felimen Santos Jr., commander of the Eastern Mindanao Command, said he was buoyed by the success of the construction of a school building in Sitio Puting Bato, Barangay Ngan, Compostela, Compostela Valley.
“This effort animates the whole of nation approach, which is a testament that it can resolve the root causes of conflict,” said Santos.
On Friday, a two-classroom school building was turned over to the Department of Education in a ceremony graced by Compostela Valley Gov. Tyron Uy. The school building was finished in just 15 days.
Along with the turnover is the appointment of two teachers who will be manning the classes starting tomorrow, the scheduled nationwide opening of classes.
Santos said it was Uy who initiated the construction of the school building in the once conflict-torn barangay of Ngan.
The construction of the school was the government answer to the existence of the Salugpungan School in the area which is reportedly being run by a rebel-linked group.
“This is addressing the issues of conflict and his strong resolve of ending insurgency not only in the province but also in the whole region. This will surely concretize the peace gains and make it durable and sustainable,” said Santos.
The construction started after Uy led the kicked off ceremony in Sitio Puting Bato last May 15. Prior to the kick-off, social preparation was made by the provincial government of Compostela Valley and the Community Support Team of the 66th Infantry Battalion.
“This is to ensure the acceptance and commitment of the community on the project,” said Santos. (Aaron Recuenco)